This post has been sponsored by Acorn Influence representing Chosen by You to bring you some of the hottest toys this season. All opinions are 100% my own!
My children–sweet, loving, and oh-so-typical-kids–it’s not even Halloween and this past week my 4 year old pulled out some snowman paper from our craft box and began cutting out images of toys. Of course this mama knew exactly what he was doing, but I just had to ask…he was writing his letter to Santa. He’d gotten a toy catalog in the mail earlier that day and had taken it upon himself to go ahead and start cutting out some of his favorites.
As I watched (for personal and grandparent research), I noticed many of the toys he was starting to eye were foreign to me. Characters from television shows I know he’s never seen and building toys that were far too advanced but looked cool to him. I encouragingly nodded my head knowing that almost every toy he showed me and selected would be forgotten the next day and new toys would be “dancing in his head” with the arrival of another catalog.
What he didn’t know was that I was already one step ahead of him!
This past July, I was invited to participate in an exclusive private Walmart event called Chosen by You where the hottest new toys were on display and being demonstrated for kids of all ages and interests. Thanks to this event, Santa is on top of if it this year and I think my son will be excited by what he might find underneath our tree–gifts that will last more than just Christmas morning!
Do you have a child who’s into the latest technology and gadgets? Here’s a list of toys I love because they’re age-appropriate, spark an interest, and make you feel a little “geeky” –in a good way!
- Smart Touch Playspace (Ages 6-36 months) : Even babies love lights, sounds, and technology! This toy will take baby from sitting to crawling to walking and keeps them entertained and learning all along the way by responding to baby’s touch!
- Hovertech Battle FX (Ages 8+) : Take target practice to a whole new level with these hover targets! They sense the environment around them and will dodge, bob, and spin around a room until you take them down with a shot. Play with a friend or by independently.
- Meccanoid Robot (Ages 10+) : Definitely not for small children, but an incredible toy for any imagination. With over 600 parts, this robot friend can change into any object/animal you desire, can be powered with up to 6 motors, and says over 1,000 phrases.
Do you have a child who could spend hours creating and building? These were a few of my favorite “toys” I found that allowed kids to recreate a product time and time. All they need is their imagination and possibly a parent’s help, but what a great opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with your kids!
- Text Cool Bracelet Maker (Ages 6+) : Put the phone down and “text message” in style! Create and stamp personalized messages onto an assortment of bracelets. The studio set includes hashtags, emoticons, and letter wheel.
- Candy Craft Chocolate Pen (Ages 6+) : If you have a child who loves to draw, let them get creative with a pen that writes in liquid chocolate! There’s over 50 molds available and in several different colors. Chocolate designs will harden and can be used in other baking projects or just eaten “as is.”
- Girl Scout Cookie Oven (Ages 8+) : Don’t wait for Cookie Season! Make your own Girl Scout inspired treats at home! This official Girl Scout product takes 5 minutes to preheat and only minutes to bake. The popular Thin Mints flavor is included in every oven, but other flavors are available and sold separately.
- 3DIT Character Creator Molding Machine (Ages 8-12) : Imagine your child being able to mold and create their own action heroes and villains. This molding machine allows you to custom make your own figures by injecting wax, assembling your pieces, and adding decals.
If you have a child who loves the outdoors OR you’re looking for a way to get them more interested in being outdoors, these toys will be a hit!
- Kinetic Sand Paradise Island Float (Ages 3+) : This popular sensory sand can now be used in water! Use it to mold new water creations like ocean animals and beachy themed objects. Kinetic Sand never dries out like real sand and can be used over and over.
- Frozen Fishing Kit OR Iron Man Fishing Kit (Ages 6+) : Any neighborhood pond can instantly become a fun adventure for families with these character fishing poles.
- Pacific Cycle Mountain Bikes (Ages 7-10) : Any child would love to have a new bike under the tree, so if you’re in the market, these 20″ 6 speeds from Pacific Cycle will make you the “cool parent!”
Let your child be the trend-setter this season! Be the first of their friends to break out of gender stereotypes and be “in the know” on all things science and technology!
Project MC2 Ultimate Lab Kit (Ages 6+) : I loved this kit the minute I saw it! While I don’t have any girls, it’s a kit I’d love for any child to have. Based on a TV show Project MC2, this science and spy kid has real experiments for you try at home. Turn test tubes and beakers into volcanoes and perform over 15 different types of experiments using the tools in the kit and basic household products in your kitchen. - VTech Kidizoom Action Cam (Ages 4-9) : Do you have a child who loves sports, theater, experiments, or anything else that would be great to capture on film? VTech has created an action camera for kids to mount and record their own personal achievements. It can mount onto bikes or or take pictures underwater, but the sky is the limit when it comes to uses of this camera. Photos and video can be downloaded to computers where children can experiment with filters, frames, and effects.
- Altered Fantom Electric Skateboard (Ages 8+) : This skateboard goes to the extreme with wireless controls! Keep both your feet on the board and use a remote to accelerate and break– your feet control the direction. Travel up to 10 miles per hour for up to 40 continual minutes.
It’s the entertainment most moms fear and most dads get excited about! If you have a gamer in the family, these are the latest products you’ll want to think about this season. No descriptions are needed…simply a consultation between spouses and a little research to see what console and/or gaming system might be a good fit for the aspiring gamer in your home.
- Lego Dimensions Interactive for XBOX 360 and PS4
- Disney Infinity Star Wars
- Xbox One Console
Have you spotted any toys this season that will make your child’s holiday list?
Leave a comment below and help give parents (or grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc) more ideas!
Dislosure: This post has been sponsored by Acorn Influence. All opinions are 100% my own and I personally chose the products above to share with our readers.
